White spider on my plumeria

10 years ago

I spent the past week at the coast, every morning I would walk out to see if anything was blooming. I noticed on 3 of my plumeria a white spider. Looked just like the black widow, but was solid white. I killed them,, I hope I did not kill anything that was beneficial. Does anyone know what these spiders are, should I be spraying my plants? I have spinosad,& plant wash, if I need to spray. We decided that we would not go down the week of July 4th, so I will not be down for a couple of weeks, but can spray if I need to. I have always let nature take care of everything, lady bugs, have always cared for my plants, I have never needed to spray. Where have all the lady bugs gone????? Barbra

Comments (4)

No-Clue
10 years ago
Barbra,

I am petrified of ALL spiders. They just give me the willies! Shudder.

If they look like black widow but white... then could they have been baby black widows? Black widows look white when they are babies. Just be careful... wear gloves or something when you're near them.
jandey1
10 years ago
If they're pale greenish then I think they're good spiders. I have lots on my plumies and I never see any damage from them. Pretty sure they just eat thrips and stuff.
Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
10 years ago
They were probably crab spiders hunting for insects attracted to the blooms.
Poor little things. Laugh.

-Robert

Here is a link that might be useful: crab spiders
honeybunny2 Fox
Original Author
10 years ago
I think they must be albino crab spiders, they are solid white. I found them only on the plumeria plants. Very pretty spiders, did not see any damage on the plants, but did not want to take any chances. I over reacted once and killed an entire swarm of ladybugs. They did not look like ladybugs, when they were all stuck to one another, swaying in the wind. I just panicked when I saw them. It was hugh, black and buzzing, I got the wasp spray and killed them. I did not know they were ladybugs until it was too late. Barbra